Johnny Depp, the enigmatic Hollywood icon known for his transformative roles and tumultuous personal life, has always been a figure of fascination. At 62, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star is stepping back from the spotlight’s glare to reflect on the quieter, more personal moments that have defined him. In a rare and candid interview with The Sunday Times, Depp opened up about his role as a father to his two children, Lily-Rose and Jack, whom he shares with ex-partner Vanessa Paradis. His revelations about fatherhood, an unfinished painting of his daughter, and his struggle with “empty-nest syndrome” offer a poignant glimpse into a man who, despite his global fame, cherishes the simple joys of family life.

A Father’s Pride and Nostalgia

Depp’s children, Lily-Rose, now 26, and Jack, 23, grew up far from Hollywood’s frenetic pace, raised in the serene South of France. This choice, largely influenced by Paradis, a French singer and actress, allowed the family to cultivate a private, grounded life. Depp recalls this period as the only time he truly felt at home. “My kids growing up in the South of France in their youth? I was Papa,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. The term “Papa” carries a warmth and intimacy that “Dad” lacks for Depp, and it’s clear that those years were among his happiest.

The South of France, with its rolling vineyards and quaint villages, provided a sanctuary for Depp and Paradis to raise their children away from the paparazzi’s lenses. They lived on an estate near St. Tropez, purchased by Depp in 2001, where Lily-Rose and Jack could grow up speaking French, immersed in a culture that valued privacy and simplicity. This environment fostered a close bond between the siblings, who often spoke French at home and even used it as a secret code in American schools to keep their conversations private.

Depp’s pride in his children is evident, though he’s careful not to impose his own path on them. Lily-Rose has carved out a successful career as an actress and model, starring in films like Nosferatu and The Idol. Jack, on the other hand, has chosen a quieter life, reportedly working as a bartender in Paris and shunning the limelight. Depp respects their choices, though he’s admitted to warning them about the pitfalls of fame. “Fame is an occupational hazard,” he once said, a sentiment rooted in his own experiences with public scrutiny, particularly during his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard.

The Unfinished Painting: A Symbol of Time’s Passage

During the interview, a poignant moment unfolded when the reporter noticed a painting behind Depp. The artwork, he revealed, was an unfinished portrait of Lily-Rose, started when she was just ten years old. “I never finished it. She was ten then, and 25 now. Years get away from us, don’t they?” Depp mused, his words heavy with the weight of time’s relentless march. The painting, frozen in its incomplete state, serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of childhood and the moments parents wish they could hold onto.

Depp’s artistic side is well-documented. Beyond acting, he’s a musician, painter, and collector, with a deep appreciation for creativity in all its forms. The portrait of Lily-Rose, though unfinished, is a testament to his love for his daughter and his desire to capture her essence. It’s easy to imagine him in his studio, brush in hand, trying to immortalize a moment when his little girl was still under his roof. The fact that he never completed it speaks to the chaos of his life—decades marked by blockbuster films, personal controversies, and global fame—but also to the universal truth that time slips away from us all.

The mention of the painting led Depp to reflect on his current stage of life: “empty-nest syndrome.” With both children now independent, he finds himself longing for the days when their laughter filled the house. “Oh, I envy you,” he told the interviewer, who has young children. The sincerity in his voice underscores a universal parental experience—the bittersweet transition from being the center of a child’s world to watching them soar on their own.

From “Papa” to “Dad” and Back Again

Depp’s shift from “Papa” to “Dad” encapsulates the evolution of his relationship with his children. In their early years, “Papa” was a term of endearment, a symbol of the protective, playful father who reveled in their presence. But as the family spent more time in Los Angeles, the more formal “Dad” took over, signaling a shift to a new phase of independence for Lily-Rose and Jack. “Papa was out the window. I was Dad,” Depp recounted, a touch of humor masking the pang of loss.

Yet, at 62, Depp is ready to reclaim “Papa.” With a playful defiance, he declared, “Papa was awesome, and I’m getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf—–’s going to have to call me Papa!” The quip reveals his irreverent humor but also his hope that his children—or perhaps future grandchildren—will revive the term that means so much to him. It’s a reminder that, for all his Hollywood swagger, Depp is a father first, yearning for connection with the next generation.

Co-Parenting with Vanessa Paradis

Depp’s relationship with Vanessa Paradis, which spanned 14 years from 1998 to 2012, remains a cornerstone of his family life. Though the couple never married, their partnership was marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to their children. Even after their amicable split, they’ve continued to co-parent effectively, prioritizing Lily-Rose and Jack’s well-being. Paradis’s decision to base the family in France was a deliberate one, rooted in her desire to shield the children from Hollywood’s pressures. Depp credits her with creating the stable, loving environment that defined their upbringing.

Their co-parenting dynamic stands in stark contrast to Depp’s later marriage to Amber Heard, which ended in a contentious divorce and a high-profile defamation lawsuit. Throughout that ordeal, Paradis publicly supported Depp, a testament to their enduring bond. Their ability to maintain a united front for their children speaks to their maturity and dedication as parents, even in the face of personal challenges.

Navigating Fame and Fatherhood

Depp’s reflections on fatherhood come at a time when he’s reevaluating his place in the world. After years of blockbuster success, followed by public controversies and legal battles, he’s embracing a quieter life, splitting his time between London and the Bahamas. France, however, remains his emotional anchor—the place where he felt most at home, raising his children with Paradis. “I don’t spend much time in the U.S.,” he admitted, underscoring his preference for places that offer peace and perspective.

His career, too, is experiencing a resurgence. Upcoming projects, including a reunion with Penelope Cruz in Day Drinker and potential collaborations with Tim Burton, signal a return to the screen. There’s even talk of him reprising his iconic role as Jack Sparrow in a new Pirates of the Caribbean film. Yet, it’s clear that fatherhood, not fame, is what grounds him. His warnings to Lily-Rose and Jack about the perils of showbiz reflect a protective instinct, born from his own battles with the industry’s darker side.

A Universal Story

Johnny Depp’s story, while unique in its Hollywood context, resonates with parents everywhere. The unfinished painting, the shift from “Papa” to “Dad,” the ache of an empty nest—these are universal experiences, dressed in the trappings of fame. His candor in sharing these feelings humanizes a man often seen as larger than life, reminding us that even stars grapple with the passage of time and the longing for family.

As Depp looks to the future, he carries the lessons of fatherhood with him. The South of France, with its memories of “Papa” and his young children, will always be home. And while the painting of Lily-Rose remains unfinished, his love for his children is complete, a masterpiece that endures. For now, he’s content to wait for “Papa” to return, ready to embrace whatever the next chapter brings.